Health

Wichita Clinic opts to stay independent

Article Abstract:

Kansas multispecialty group Wichita Clinic is attempting to thrive as an independent clinic after opting out of a planned affiliation with Columbia Wesley Medical Center, Kansas's largest hospital. The proposed joint venture between Wesley and Wichita Clinic, planned in 1995, was scrapped later that year after Wichita concerns about Wesley assumption of control. Wesley subsequently established its own family specialty group and proceeded to hire away 13 Wichita employees, prompting a Wichita lawsuit in 1996.

Two Tennessee health systems to join forces, stay nonprofit

Article Abstract:

Two Nashville, TN, nonprofit healthcare systems, Saint Thomas Health Services and Baptist Hospital health Care System, plan to join forces to augment quality of care and efficiency. The move was announced on Jul 1, 1997, by the two health systems, which serve patients in Tennessee and Kentucky. The two organizations have a history of cooperative actions including joint purchase of Middle Tennessee Medical Center, in Murfreesboro, and other healthcare industry joint ventures.

Failed alliance fractures medical community

Article Abstract:

The failure of the Rocky Mountain Health Alliance has divided the medical community in Missoula, MT, and left residents with few health care choices. Negotiations for the community-sponsored, physician-hospital organization fell apart in Nov 1996 due to irreconcilable differences regarding proposed partnerships with licensed health maintenance organizations.